Page 152

More warmth fills my chest, knowing I’ll see my brother for the first time since he came to visit after the birth. “He should arrive tomorrow morning. Violet and Henry want him to stay at their place, but he refuses. He’s staying at a hotel.”

“They got what was coming to them, you know?” Jensen’s jaw ticks. “Tax evasion and cooking their books.” He shakes his head. “Karma always finds bad people, sooner or later.”

I wish I felt some sort of sadness for my parents. But I can’t. They made their bed. They’ll likely lose their business, and the Feds are looking into their personal finances. Perhaps they did Mark and David Preston a favor after all when they disassociated their business.

Lying back on the blanket, I decide now is the perfect time. “Hey, come lie with me.”

On our sides and almost nose to nose, I pull off his sunglasses and take in his deep brown eyes. “I want to show you something. Can you cover me with a towel?”

He looks confused but grabs one anyway, holding it behind me for privacy.

Unhooking the swimsuit strap from over my shoulder, I peel it down until the left side of my ribcage is showing, along with the plastic wrap covering it.

Jensen’s eyes bug out at the sight.

“Peel it off,” I say.

“When did you get this?”

“Two days ago. I’ve been trying to hide it from you, but I can’t wait any longer.”

As he removes the medical tape, it slowly reveals coordinates and then a date—December fourth.

“What’s this?” he says, shock in his voice.

“An important date for my calendar. And those are coordinates.”

“For where?”

“To Riley’s Bar. That was the date I wore your jersey and sat on your knee.” I lean forward and kiss my husband. “The hour that changed both our lives, even if I was a way behind you.”

He goes to open his mouth, but I press my finger against his lips. “Thank you for showing me the definition of unconditional love. Because I love you so fucking much, JJ.”

THE END.